By Marianne Christy
Volunteer firefighters and emergency personnel were recognized for outstanding service at the Town of Webb Fire District’s annual awards dinner held Saturday, May 9 at VIEW, the arts center in Old Forge.
The fire district includes the Big Moose, Eagle Bay and Old Forge fire companies.
Big Moose Fire Chief Jason Pratt presented awards to Phil Kurtz for 15 years of service and Roger Pratt for 30 years of service to the department.
Shane Beach, Eagle Bay Fire Chief, awarded 10-year service awards to Wayne LaPorte and Paul Scheidelman. Chief Awards were presented to Mary Roach, Bob Davio and Bill Morgan.
Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to Charlie Sauer.
Old Forge Fire Chief Charlie Bogardus swore in his officers: EMS Captain Terry Lehnen;
Captain Jack Graham; Captain Pete Croneiser; 1st Lt. Mike Hunkins; 2nd Lt. Chris Stanley; 3rd Lt. John Russell; and 4th Lt. Pete Ferris.
Hanson Schmid received the Firefighter of the Year Award for the Old Forge Fire Department.
Invited guests included Webb Police Chief Ron Johnston and his wife, Michelle; Otter Lake Fire Chief Jeff Abrial and his wife, Danielle; and Woodgate Fire Chief Tony Sege and his wife, Char.
Chief Bogardus thanked them all for their help and support throughout the year.
During the dinner, Father Shane Lynch remembered local firefighters who had passed away in the past year.
Jeff Ossont rang the bell for each of the following members: Elmer Crounse, Thomas Deis, David Leach and Bob Watson.